Evelyn Wynn Dr. Michael Williams ENGL 864: British Literature 1660-1900 June 10, 2014
Considerations for Reducing the Text Using Close Reading
One cannot conduct a close reading of Madame de Stael’s Corinne, Or Italy without recognizing that it issteeped in the rich tradition of international politics, religion, and theories of inspiration. Therefore, in order to reduce the text one must be careful not to devalue the very constructs that make it a literary masterpiece. I believe that some of the challenges met with reducing the text is running the risk of losing its authenticity. Corinne provides an expansive survey of the history of Italy. Stael makes constant references to historical characters, mythical deities, poets, statesmen all add to the pageantry and theatrics of the work. Therefore, Corinne is immersed in history throughout the novel. For example, as Corinne stands near the statue of Pompeii, she observes other architectural buildings and other historical characters and artifacts. Stael employs the principles of plenitude by including all types of artifacts and historical characters throughout the novel. Stael employs the principles of plenitude in relation to religion on pages 179-182. In regards to Corinne and Oswald’s discussion about religion, I believe that Corinne is more concerned with the idea of religion than with faith. Her views are diverse yet inclusive. In a discourse between the two, Corinne asks, “If religion consisted only in strict moral observance, what more would it have than philosophy or reason? And what religious feelings would develop in us if our principal aim was to stifle the heart’s feelings? (178). Although Corinne seems to focus more on feelings rather than reason, she also seems to see the religious ceremony as a form of pageantry. Corinne explains: The pomp of our worship, the pictures in which the eyes of kneeling saints express continual prayer, the statues placed on tombs as if to awaken one day with the dead, the churches with their high arches, have to awaken one day with the religious ideas, . . . (179) I believe that Corrine is more concerned with the “act of religion” rather than the true purpose of religion. She continues, . . . . I love the glittering homage rendered by men to what promises them neither fortune nor power . . . I recognize something disinterested in man, and even if the religious splendor is excessive . . . . (179) Perhaps Corinne’s observations are garnered from the author Madame de Stael who was deeply rooted in religion although critics question which denomination. In their discourse, Oswald later tells Corinne that “Religious life is a battle and not a hymn. If we were not condemned in this world to curb the evil inclinations of others” (180). It seems, in my opinion, that Oswald is more in touch with the true meaning of religion. Finally, the interchange between Corinne and Oswald makes it clear that the concept of religion is a complicated topic while at the same time reducing the text would perhaps devalue the authenticity of the novel.
Dr. Michael Williams
ENGL 864: British Literature 1660-1900
June 10, 2014
Considerations for Reducing the Text Using Close Reading
One cannot conduct a close reading of Madame de Stael’s Corinne, Or Italy without recognizing that it issteeped in the rich tradition of international politics, religion, and theories of inspiration. Therefore, in order to reduce the text one must be careful not to devalue the very constructs that make it a literary masterpiece.
I believe that some of the challenges met with reducing the text is running the risk of losing its authenticity. Corinne provides an expansive survey of the history of Italy. Stael makes constant references to historical characters, mythical deities, poets, statesmen all add to the pageantry and theatrics of the work. Therefore, Corinne is immersed in history throughout the novel. For example, as Corinne stands near the statue of Pompeii, she observes other architectural buildings and other historical characters and artifacts. Stael employs the principles of plenitude by including all types of artifacts and historical characters throughout the novel.
Stael employs the principles of plenitude in relation to religion on pages 179-182. In regards to Corinne and Oswald’s discussion about religion, I believe that Corinne is more concerned with the idea of religion than with faith. Her views are diverse yet inclusive. In a discourse between the two, Corinne asks, “If religion consisted only in strict moral observance, what more would it have than philosophy or reason? And what religious feelings would develop in us if our principal aim was to stifle the heart’s feelings? (178). Although Corinne seems to focus more on feelings rather than reason, she also seems to see the religious ceremony as a form of pageantry. Corinne explains:
The pomp of our worship, the pictures in which the eyes of kneeling saints express continual prayer, the statues placed on tombs as if to awaken one day with the dead, the churches with their high arches, have to awaken one day with the religious ideas, . . . (179)
I believe that Corrine is more concerned with the “act of religion” rather than the true purpose of religion. She continues,
. . . . I love the glittering homage rendered by men to what promises them neither fortune nor power . . . I recognize something disinterested in man, and even if the religious splendor is excessive . . . . (179)
Perhaps Corinne’s observations are garnered from the author Madame de Stael who was deeply rooted in religion although critics question which denomination.
In their discourse, Oswald later tells Corinne that “Religious life is a battle and not a hymn. If we were not condemned in this world to curb the evil inclinations of others” (180). It seems, in my opinion, that Oswald is more in touch with the true meaning of religion.
Finally, the interchange between Corinne and Oswald makes it clear that the concept of religion is a complicated topic while at the same time reducing the text would perhaps devalue the authenticity of the novel.